Platelet rich fibrin as a membrane for coverage of immediate implants: Case-series study on eight patients

To evaluate the efficacy of platelet rich fibrin as a membrane for coverage of immediate implants in the maxillary anterior region. Twelve implants were inserted into eight adult patients indicated for extraction & immediate implant insertion in one or more of the upper anterior teeth. A venous blood sample of 10 cc was obtained for each single implant. After implant placement, the peri-implant defect was filled with a mixture of autogenous bone (collected from the chin) and fibrin. A platelet rich fibrin membrane was used to cover the implant site. Clinical & radiographic evaluation was performed immediately, 3 and 6 months postoperatively to evaluate soft tissue healing & crestal bone stability. After 6 months, the marginal bone was stable in 83% of cases. Clinically, good soft tissue coverage was obtained. Radiographically, bone height showed a statistically significant decrease in the distal side while there was no statistically significant decrease at the mesial side. The change in defect depth was limited to 2 mm. Platelet rich fibrin provided good soft tissue coverage over the immediate implants and it enhanced bone stability. The technique was easy to perform with good esthetic results.